Muslim cleric becomes NSW police chaplain

Rasa - Thirty-four-year-old Sheikh Ahmed Abdo has become NSW’s first Muslim police chaplain since 2011, and is believed to be the only Muslim to hold the position currently in any state or territory of Australia.

News ID: 1691

Date: 27 November 2014 - 13:58

RNA - He succeeds the late NSW police chaplain Sheikh Khalil Chami, who died in 2011.

According to Australian local SBS News, at his swearing in ceremony in Fairfield on Thursday, he recalled how his experience of discrimination, growing up in southwest Sydney, shaped his views of the police force.

He said he was experienced racist abuse daily, and at one point even feared for his life, while being followed home by his tormenters.

"My home was about 10 minutes away. But that afternoon, it (felt like) the longest walk in my life. Following me were scores of young people. Unfortunately they had taken it upon themselves to ensure that I didn't arrive home safely."

He turned to police for help – filing a complaint at a local police station, and he was promised, police would do everything they could to ensure he was safe.

“And we go home that day, having been comforted by a lovely man, who took it from his own heart to ensure that this insignificant young boy goes home with a raised head."

He says his experience made him want to give back to the police who once helped him.

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